Why Join the HABA?

If you are serious about your business future and plan to have some say in what that future is... then the answer is clear.

Many times I hear that associations never work, or it has been tried before, but the key point is that we must never quit trying, or working to protect our Industry. Otherwise, no one else will!

The HABA may seem just like all associations from the past, but it is not!

We have monthly meetings that we invite you to attend as our guest to see for yourself. We provide the most up-to-date information about what is going on across the World, Nation, State, and your local area, so you can make good sound business decisions. You also will be networking with other Industry professionals, and see that you are “Not the Only One”.

Being part of your industry’s association, it is a very important commitment to change what has been, to what it needs to become… the future is definitely not written, but is determined by what we all do today in the present.

A common issue is often people complain about how things are, but do little to make them change. This is foremost the cause of failure in any organization and a future that is not desired.

Be part of our Mission… to Promote Professionalism and Consumer Awareness of the Automotive Collision Repair Industry in Houston and surrounding areas. We can’t do this alone… it takes the leaders of our industry, such as yourself, to make this happen.

A mission achieved provides value… we encourage you to be part of this great journey

Our Mission Statement

The Houston Auto Body Association is comprised of collision repairers devoted to the advancement of the collision repair industry.

Our mission is to create an environment of professionalism, respect, accountability, excellence, enthusiasm and the ability to collect fair and reasonable compensation for collision repairers who properly restore vehicles to their safe pre-loss condition.

Our Vision

Our Vision of this industry is one:

Where every business within the industry is treated as a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional worthy of respect, with every employee, manager, and owner contributing to insure that their integrity in action and deed is upheld;

Where every employee has the education and training to provide a quality, timely repair on every vehicle thereby receiving the respect of peers, employers, and customers;

Where every customer receives a quality, timely repair at a fair and reasonable price by the professionals who made the repairs as well as the professionals employed by the repairer, who administered the claim;

Where every insurer believes they have received a quality repair at a fair settlement for quality work in a reasonable time, and in a respectful manner due any professional relationship;

Where all services that are performed are paid for and all services paid for are performed; and where ethics and morals, respect and appreciation are the norm not the exception.

Code of Ethics:

We will uphold the consumer's rights.

Offer the customer a price estimate for the work to be performed.

Conduct all business practices in a lawful and professional manner.

Recommend only proper collision repair procedures and explain to the customer why these are required to correct the collision damage.

All repairs will be to pre-loss condition as far as Safety, Functionality, and Appearance.

Maintain a high quality level of collision repair.

All repairs will be done to Industry standards set down by the manufacturers.

We will do all that we are paid to do.

Obtain prior authorization for all work, in writing or by other means satisfactory to the customer.

Furnish an itemized list for all parts and services, priced fairly, which identifies any used, re­-manufactured, or aftermarket parts.

Exercise reasonable care of the customer's property while it is being repaired.

Maintain a system for fair settlement of customer's complaints.

Cooperate with all established consumer complaint mediation activities.

Cooperate in a good business manner with insurance company representatives and make a sincere effort to provide available and affordable service to the motoring public.

We will continually upgrade our equipment to be current with the standards of repair.

We will operate our business to promote Ethics and Integrity.

All employees will receive continuing education as needed.

Requirements

The following are a list of requirements each shop must meet to become or remain a member of the Houston Auto Body Association. This list will ensure you provide the highest quality of work and the service to your customers.

Legal, business & environmental

Have an established business location that complies with local, state, federal licenses and permits, zoning laws and operates within acceptable retail standards.

Have proof of liability insurance and garage keepers’ legal liability insurance or equivalent.

Demonstrate a concern for the environment by using high transfer efficiency spray equipment and gun cleaners and other emission reducing equipment.

The capability to diagnose airbags and safety restraints and complete OE-specified repairs using in-house equipment with certified technicians, or the use of a qualified sublet provider.

The ability to weld using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder and technicians properly trained on welding techniques.

The capability to reclaim, evacuate and recharge vehicle air conditioning systems using in-house equipment and certified technicians, or the use of a qualified sublet provider.

The capability to properly inspect a vehicle for tear-down.

Shop Equipment

Provide proper safety equipment and work environment for all employees.

An on-site source of current structural specifications covering the vehicle structure specifications for the make, model and year of the vehicle being repaired.

A device capable of measuring in three dimensions (symmetrical or asymmetrical uni-body structures) for the type of vehicle being repaired and the ability to provide written structural documentations by computer printout or written explanation.

A four-point anchoring system capable of holding a vehicle in a stationary position during structural and body pulls.

Electric or hydraulic equipment capable of making simultaneous multiple body or structural pulls for repairs as well as evidence of recent technical training or competence on the type of equipment being used.

An approved spray booth meeting current federal and local requirements.